12 Colorado Ski Resorts for an Unforgettable Winter Vacation

With 26 ski areas and resorts, Colorado is the number one destination for skiing and snowboarding in North America. So it's no wonder why Denver and its surrounding communities have seen a massive rise in population over the past few years. But with so many options, all offering a different experience, it can be hard to decide on which resort to ski or snowboard. That's why we've compiled a list of our favorite Colorado ski resorts, so you can experience the beautiful Rocky Mountains firsthand this winter!

Steamboat, with their trademarked nickname of "Ski-Town, U.S.A.," has a world-class ski resort known for fluffy, lightweight snow that's referred to as "champagne powder." The mountain's six peaks have 165 trails across 3,000 skiable acres. Skiers of all types can find ideal terrain, including beginners looking for easy groomers, and experts searching for tree-filled meadows or deep bumps. But perhaps our favorite part of Steamboat is the town — somehow it's managed to maintain its Old West charm.

Bestproducts.com participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

2Vail Mountain Resort

Vail is best described as massive — with over 5,200 acres of developed skiable terrain — making it the largest resort in Colorado and one of the biggest in the United States. Skiers and snowboarders can spend an entire day hopping around the seven back bowls, then the next day ripping down the front side's groomers, without ever skiing the same run twice. When you've had enough, the town of Vail offers tons of world-class shopping, bars, and restaurants to top it all off.

Telluride is nestled between a handful of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks (or as locals call them,"14ers"), so the scenery is unmatched. But beauty aside, Telluride's ski resort offers some of the most challenging terrain in all of the state, and lift lines that other resorts envy. If you're willing to make the drive (or splurge on a flight), you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience, both on the mountain and in the charming western town.

Coloradans know Wolf Creek as the ski resort that's consistently at the top of the daily snow report, boasting a whopping 430 inches of annual snowfall. There's no lodging on the mountain, so visitors must find hotels or vacation rentals near Pagosa Springs. But Wolf Creek's secluded location and lack of amenities are what make it the perfect destination for those who take winter vacations to ski first and play later. And at just $66 for an adult, the lift tickets are an absolute steal!

Copper Mountain sports a vast array of terrain, from wide rolling greens to steep double blacks littered with 5-foot moguls. It's also home to Woodward Copper, a year-round (yes, year-round!) training facility for park and pipe riders. And while the village may not be as lively as nearby Breckenridge, the pedestrian-only streets have plenty of après-ski watering holes and food joints to please you and your crew.

If you're driving to Colorado from the south or the west, or don't mind road-tripping from Denver's airport for a less crowded skiing experience, Purgatory is where it's at. Located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, the resort itself has only a few options for food, beverage, and lodging, but the mountain boasts over 1,300 skiable acres, five terrain parks, and some of the shortest lift lines in the state!

Silverton is where the true experts and powder hounds go to play. The terrain is steep, the snow is deep (and completely un-groomed), and the thrills are endless. The mountain has only one chairlift to access its terrain, and it's also one of the only places in all of Colorado where you can heli-ski. So if you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime skiing experience, put Silverton at the top of your list.

Crested Butte is one of the few remaining large ski resorts with an undeveloped, local vibe, and that may be because it's a solid 4.5-hour drive from Denver International Airport. But those who don't mind the trek will be rewarded with emptier slopes, shorter lift lines, and a slower pace that'll have you seriously considering calling in sick and staying an extra week. The town has an unparalleled amount of charm, too, thanks to blocks and blocks of Victorian storefronts and a laid-back vibe that you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Breckenridge is a well-known destination for travelers of all kinds. Ask around — you most likely have a friend that got married there in the summer, a family member that's skied there in the winter, and an acquaintance that spent a season working as a lift operator while logging 60+ days on the mountain. Its five peaks offer terrain for all skill levels, the ski and snowboard school is top-notch, the lodging is plentiful, and the town is vibrant all night long. What more can you ask for?

Eldora is not quite as big as many of Colorado's other resorts, but for just $94, you'll get to experience a Colorado mountain that boasts an average of 300 inches of snowfall per year! They also offer a four-pass of lift tickets for just $209, which is a deal worth talking about. Did we mention it's only 21 miles west of Boulder? That makes it the closest ski hill to Colorado's Front Range.

The town of Aspen boasts the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America, with four resorts and over 3,000 skiable acres. Buttermilk is the host of the winter X-Games, so of course it's a park-skiers dreamland, with super-pipes and over 100 features to ride. But don't worry if the park isn't your forte — beginners and intermediate skiers can find plenty of fun terrain to rip, too.

Located just 67 miles from Denver, Winter Park is the closest major destination resort for vacationers flying into Denver International Airport. It's seriously huge, with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, including trees, bumps, terrain parks, and beginner-friendly groomers. New for the 2016-2017 season was the Winter Park Express (like the Polar Express, but for adults) — a train that takes you from downtown Denver to Winter Park — so there's no need to rent a car, fuss with traffic, or drive in harsh conditions!

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Best Products participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.